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NASA to Provide Live Coverage of Space Station Cargo Launch, Docking

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(June 3, 2022) — The Progress 81 cargo craft approaches the International Space Station for a docking to the Zvezda service module’s rear port. In the foreground, is the Soyuz MS-21 crew ship docked to the Prichal docking module on the orbiting lab’s Russian segment.
Credits: NASA Johnson

NASA will provide live coverage of the launch and docking of a Roscosmos cargo spacecraft carrying about three tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the Expedition 68 crew aboard the International Space Station.

The unpiloted Progress 83 spacecraft is scheduled to launch at 1:15 a.m. EST (11:15 a.m. Baikonur time) Thursday, Feb. 9, on a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Coverage will begin at 1 a.m. on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website.

The Progress will be placed into an orbit for a two-day journey to the space station, culminating in an automatic docking to the aft port of the Zvezda service module at 3:47 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. NASA TV coverage of rendezvous and docking will begin at 3 a.m.

The International Space Station is a convergence of science, technology, and human innovation, enabling research and technology demonstrations not possible on Earth. NASA recently recognized 22 years of continuous human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory, which has hosted 263 people and a variety of international and commercial spacecraft. The space station remains the springboard to NASA’s next steps in exploration including Artemis missions to the Moon and ultimately, human exploration of Mars.

Learn more about the International Space Station, its research, and crew, at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

Get breaking news, images, and features from the space station on InstagramFacebook, and Twitter.

Source: NASA

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Celebrating National Panda Day: Conservation of Precious Bears

March 16 is National Panda Day – a celebration of these fluffy, bamboo-munching bears and a reminder to protect their environment. #PandaDay

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Every year on March 16th, we come together to celebrate National Panda Day, a delightful occasion dedicated to honoring China’s beloved bamboo-munching bears. As a source of national pride, pandas hold a special place in our hearts. With two subspecies, including the iconic Giant Panda and the smaller Qinling Panda, these magnificent creatures play an essential role in China’s unique ecosystem. While their population status has improved from endangered to vulnerable, we must remain committed to preserving pandas and their habitat. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of pandas, their conservation efforts, and the importance of safeguarding their environment.

The Significance of Pandas and their Habitat:
Pandas, particularly the Giant Panda, are revered for their fluffy black and white coats and captivating presence. These awe-inspiring animals are exclusive to the remote, mountainous regions of China. The Qinling Panda, a smaller brown subspecies, was discovered in the mountain ranges of southern Shaanxi Province in China in 1985. However, both subspecies have a crucial role to play in their respective ecosystems. Giant pandas, in particular, thrive on bamboo forests, spreading seeds as they roam and promoting the growth of new vegetation. This symbiotic relationship nurtures not only pandas but also benefits other wildlife and humans.

Endangered Status and Conservation Efforts:
While the panda population has shown some promising growth, there are still fewer than 2,000 pandas left in the wild due to various threats. Habitat loss, farming activities, fur hunting, and other factors have jeopardized their existence. To combat this, conservation organizations, including 27 zoos around the world, are actively working towards protecting giant pandas and creating environments conducive to reproduction. However, the most critical aspect of preserving pandas is the conservation of their natural environment, especially bamboo forests, which serve as their primary source of nutrition.

The History and Importance of National Panda Day:
The exact origin of National Panda Day remains unclear, but it is undoubtedly a day dedicated to spreading awareness and appreciating the beauty and significance of pandas. In 1961, the creation of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) solidified the panda’s global conservation symbol. The panda’s inclusion in the WWF logo was quite fitting, as this animal represents both beauty and endangerment, garnering love from people worldwide. It has become an emblem for the conservation movement, calling upon individuals and nations to protect endangered species and preserve natural wildlife habitats.

Preserving Pandas and Their Ecosystem:
While pandas are now classified as vulnerable, the battle to protect them is far from over. The efforts of zoos, reforestation initiatives, and conservation campaigns have contributed to the positive change in their status. However, it is crucial to continue protecting their environment. Preservation of the giant panda’s natural habitat not only safeguards the bears themselves but also supports the survival of 70% of the country’s forest birds, 70% of mammals, and 31% of amphibians, according to a scientific paper published by The Society for Conservation Biology in 2015. Pandas are essential for forest health, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their well-being.


National Panda Day serves as a reminder of the remarkable role pandas play in our natural world. While progress has been made, the conservation journey is ongoing. We must remain steadfast in protecting pandas and their environment to secure their long-term survival. By raising awareness, supporting conservation efforts, and advocating for the preservation of bamboo forests, we can create a future where these adorable, bamboo-munching bears continue to thrive and contribute to the vibrant ecosystems of China and the world. Let’s celebrate National Panda Day and join hands in safeguarding these precious creatures for generations to come.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-panda-day/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/stories-this-moment/

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Unveiling the Mysteries of Comet 12P/Pons Brooks: The Devil Comet’s Rare Celestial Show

Explore the enigmatic beauty of Comet 12P/Pons Brooks, the “Devil Comet,” as it graces our skies with rare eruptions and celestial displays.

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Comet 12P/Pons Brooks, known as the “devil comet,” is an intriguing celestial visitor that has captured the attention of astronomers and stargazers alike. This comet, with a diameter of about 10.5 miles (17 kilometers), follows a highly elliptical orbit around the sun, completing its journey approximately every 71 years. What sets 12P apart is its cryovolcanic nature – an ice volcano in space.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks photographed by the Virtual Telescope Project facility in Manciano, Italy on March 2, 2024. (Image credit: Gianluca Masi/Virtual Telescope Project)

The icy shell of 12P occasionally erupts due to solar radiation, releasing a mix of ice and gas known as cryomagma into space. This process significantly expands the comet’s coma, the cloud of gas and dust surrounding its nucleus, making it appear brighter for a few days. In July 2023, astronomers witnessed 12P erupt after nearly 70 years, with subsequent eruptions occurring more frequently.

During earlier eruptions, the comet’s expanded coma gave it a unique appearance resembling demonic horns. However, recent observations show that these horns seem to have vanished, replaced by a distinctive green glow caused by high levels of dicarbon in its coma and tail, a rare phenomenon in comets.

For sky watchers in the Northern Hemisphere, viewing opportunities are optimal before April 21, when 12P makes its closest approach to the sun. Post this date, the comet will become visible to those in the Southern Hemisphere until the year’s end. To catch a glimpse, head to the countryside away from city lights. While visible to the naked eye, binoculars can enhance the viewing experience.


12P has surprised observers with unexpected brightness, including a rare flare that transformed its gas cloud into a horseshoe shape, earning it monikers like the Devil Comet or Millennium Falcon Comet. Additional flares have been detected, hinting at potential future surprises as the comet approaches Earth.

The cause of these flare-ups remains a mystery, with some astronomers speculating about rare volcanic activity on the comet’s surface. When planning a stargazing outing, target days closest to a new moon to avoid moonlight interference. Checking the weather forecast is essential to ensure clear skies for optimal viewing conditions.

Upon arrival at your stargazing spot, allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, especially if you’ve been exposed to bright screens. Patience is key, as celestial wonders like Comet 12P/Pons Brooks often reveal themselves gradually, rewarding those willing to wait.

As you gaze at this unique cosmic spectacle, reflect on the transient nature of comets and the vast mysteries of the universe they represent. The journey of Comet 12P serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of celestial phenomena, inviting us to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos and contemplate our place within it.

https://www.space.com/watch-comet-12p-pons-brooks-zoom-past-andromeda-galaxy-livestream

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Worms in Chernobyl Develop Immunity to Radiation: A Fascinating Study

Scientists find worms near Chernobyl with immunity to radiation, sparking questions on natural adaptation and genetic resilience in extreme conditions.

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In a groundbreaking study conducted near the Chernobyl nuclear disaster zone, scientists have made a startling discovery: worms living in the area appear to have developed immunity to radiation. These tiny nematodes, with their simple genetic makeup and rapid reproduction rate, are showing remarkable resilience in the face of extreme environmental conditions.

The research, led by Dr. Sophia Tintor from New York University, involved collecting worms from various sources within the Chernobyl region and analyzing their response to varying levels of radiation. Despite the high levels of radiation present in the area, the genomes of these worms remained largely undamaged, prompting questions about the impact of such environmental stressors on local populations.

The study raises intriguing questions about the mechanisms behind this newfound resilience. Could the environmental changes post-disaster have favored the selection of species or individuals naturally more resistant to ionizing radiation? The findings hint at the possibility of a unique capacity within these worms to protect and repair their genetic material, offering insights into natural variation and adaptation in response to extreme conditions.

While the discovery of radiation-immune worms does not imply Chernobyl is now safe for habitation, it does shed light on the astonishing resilience of these creatures. More research is needed to delve deeper into the genetic mechanisms at play and to understand the broader implications of this fascinating development.

The study marks a significant step towards unraveling the complex interplay between organisms and their environment in the aftermath of ecological disasters. By studying these remarkable worms, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of evolution, adaptation, and the potential for life to thrive in even the harshest of conditions.

As we continue to explore the mysteries of Chernobyl and its impact on biodiversity, the story of these radiation-immune worms serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life in the face of adversity.

Source: The Independent

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/worms-chernobyl-nuclear-power-plant-explosion-b2510463.html

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